Health Programme Coordinator (m/f/d) Syria

The German Red Cross (GRC) is part of a worldwide community assisting victims of conflicts and disasters and people affected by social or health related crises. The Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement provides vulnerable people with assistance without discrimination and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality.

Our Mission:
We provide needs-based, flexible, innovative and sustainable support to Sister National Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the wider humanitarian community. We enable early and immediate life-saving assistance and implement anticipatory action and risk-reducing activities, particularly in the face of climate change and armed conflicts and their humanitarian consequences. As a partner, facilitator and convener of cooperation, we strive to fulfil commitments to localization, community participation, protection and inclusion, gender and diversity, accountability, and learning. Through these efforts, we aim to build resilient communities and ensure effective and inclusive humanitarian responses in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Health Programme Coordinator (m/f/d) Syria

The GRC is looking for an experienced Health Programme Coordinator (m/f/d) for Syria responsible for implementing the joint programme of the GRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC). The GRC supports SARC through programmes, exchange of expert knowledge as well as technical and managerial support. Currently, the programmatic focus of the GRC is on Health, incl. the provision of Primary Health Care via Mobile Health Units, Community based Health and First Aid, and Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, as well as humanitarian relief, (medical) logistics. The activities are funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and EU ECHO. In addition, two GIZ/BMZ funded hospital partnership projects between Germany and Syria are in the final approval process focusing on capacity strengthening in Emergency Medical Services and Mobile Health Units. The Health Programme Coordinator is expected to both support the implementation of these projects and contribute to the technical coordination and quality of GRC-supported health activities within SARC's broader health programming in Syria.

GRC has a longstanding cooperation with SARC and is present in country with two delegates, including a Head of Office and a Programme Coordinator as well as experienced national staff: a Logistics Officer and a Finance Officer. The GRC office is within the premises of SARC HQ in Damascus. The Health Programme Coordinator reports to and works under the supervision of the GRC Head of Office (HoO) and in close coordination with the Programme Coordinator. This is an unaccompanied position.

Starting date: September 2026

Duration: 12 months with possible extension

Location: Damascus, Syria

Main duties & responsibilities:

• Provide technical support and strategic guidance to the SARC in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of GRC supported health programmes, with a focus on primary health care, community-based health, reproductive and maternal health, emergency medical services, and other priority health interventions.
• Support SARC in strengthening institutional and technical health capacity through technical advice and mentoring, and the joint development and adaptation and drafting of training curricula, operational manuals, SOPs, institutional guidelines, strategic health policies and other technical resources.
• Manage GRC-supported health projects, ensuring timely implementation, achievement of results, compliance with project agreements, donor requirements, and GRC policies and procedures.
• Ensure the technical quality of all supported health programmes and alignment with international standards, RCRC Movement policies, and national health priorities.
• Coordinate closely with SARC, RCRC Movement partners, and other relevant stakeholders — including the Ministry of Health, in close collaboration with SARC — promote harmonisation, and ensure the effective implementation of health programmes.
• Identify emerging health needs, supporting assessments, and contribute to the preparation of concept notes and project proposals.
• Provide budget breakdowns and information, data and cost analysis to support the effective management of project budgets and resources, ensuring accountability, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with GRC financial and procurement regulations.
• Ensure effective project monitoring through regular field visits, data analysis, indicator tracking, and timely narrative and financial reporting in accordance with GRC and donor requirements.
• Perform any other duties related to health programming as assigned by the Head of Office.

Required Competencies & Skills:

• University degree in Medicine, Public Health, Nursing, or another relevant health-related field.
• Minimum of five years of professional experience in the design, implementation, and management of humanitarian health programmes and activities.
• Demonstrated technical expertise and operational experience in humanitarian health programming, particularly in Primary Health Care (PHC), Community-Based Health and First Aid (CBHFA), and/or Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Experience in Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (RMNCH) is considered an asset.
• Proven experience in developing technical and institutional resources, including operational manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), training curricula, institutional guidelines, strategic health policies, and other technical documents.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering capacity-strengthening initiatives, including training, mentoring, and technical support for staff, volunteers, and partner organisations.
• Proven experience in the management of donor-funded projects, including planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and budget oversight. Previous experience with GIZ, ECHO, GFFO, or other institutional donors is highly desirable.
• Strong coordination, representation, and stakeholder engagement skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively with National Societies, RCRC Movement partners, government institutions, and other humanitarian actors.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and operate effectively in complex, politically sensitive, and rapidly changing environments while demonstrating a high degree of cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
• Excellent written and spoken English is required. Fluency in Arabic and/or German is considered a strong asset.
• Strategic thinking, hands-on mentality and in-depth understanding of the humanitarian system. Previous work experience in the MENA region, preferably in Syria or neighbouring contexts, and previous experience with the RCRC Movement are considered strong assets.
• Ability and agreement to adhere to the Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles;
• Ability to complete a thorough medical screening process 'working abroad under specific climate and health conditions';
• Valid International Driving Permit (IDP).

What we offer:

You will be part of a highly motivated professional and multicultural team. We offer you a compensation package according to the collective employment agreement of the GRC, an expatriation allowance during your mission as well as a personal allowance to cover your accommodation. In addition to a full insurance package, you will benefit from a comprehensive training package and receive briefings and coaching prior as well as during and after your mission. Medical check-ups and Psychosocial Support Service are included in your assignment.

Kindly apply by submitting your application by using the GRC online application system until August 2nd 2026 end of the day (23:59 CET).

The GRC is committed to safeguarding and to a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH), and other types of misconduct. All staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct and to protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of the people we serve and work with. Safeguarding responsibilities are integrated into all roles, and all personnel are required to adhere to our rules of conduct and safeguarding policies.

Recruitment is subject to satisfactory reference and background checks. By submitting an application, candidates acknowledge and agree to provide the requested information and to undergo the relevant checks.

Please note that due to the travel and visa regulations and the guidelines of our partners in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement certain vaccinations are required for this delegate position. Candidates on the short-list for this position will be asked to disclose their vaccination status.

We point out that the selection and nomination processes for this international delegate position may demand that information concerning your person be shared with involved Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners (IFRC, ICRC, National Society). This may include transmission into countries that do not apply data protection standards comparable to those of the European Union.

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